one-dimensional

adjective

one-di·​men·​sion·​al

ˈwən-də-ˈmen(t)-sh(ə-)nəl

 

 also  -dī-

1

: having one dimension

A straight line is one-dimensional.

The one-dimensional sequence of amino acids is the primary structure.

—Douglas R. Hofstadter

2

: lacking depth or complexity : superficial

To the audience, the term "sitcom" connoted a lot of one-dimensional stories and characters.

—Bob Fisher

one-dimensionality

ˈwən-də-ˌmen(t)-shə-ˈna-lə-tē 

 also  -dī-

noun

one-di​mension​ally adverb

a one-dimensionally portrayed character

The pixels were arranged one-dimensionally. [=in a straight line]

Synonyms

• superficial
• shallow

Examples of one-dimensional in a Sentence

a one-dimensional analysis of a novel that has a lot to say about personal courage

Recent Examples on the Web

The defense swarmed Brown and made USF one-dimensional. —Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 14 Sep. 2025

Manipulation is not one-dimensional. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025

And that spills over to the public, where the other (political) side is seen as a one-dimensional figure that is a threat. —Arie Perliger, The Conversation, 11 Sep. 2025

So Georgia stops the run, forces Tennessee to be one-dimensional, and that’s it. —Seth Emerson, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for one-dimensional

• multidimensional
• unidimensional
• attentional
• conventional
• dimensional
• extensional
• intensional
• intentional
• interventional
• nonconventional
• nondimensional
• unconventional

Kids Definition

one-dimensional

adjective

1

: having one dimension

2

: stereotyped